Sheridan Serves as Rest Stop for Motorcyclists En Route to Sturgis

Three riders head east on I-90 Friday afternoon, most likely heading home from Sturgis. The rally officially begins Monday Aug. 8, but riders and tourists populate Sturgis, S.D. for the entire first two weeks of August. (photo by Brad Estes)

As thousands journey to and from Sturgis, S.D. this week and next for the annual biker rally, Sheridan sees plenty of bikes roll through its historic streets. Whether they just stop for gas, or even for a drink at one of the area watering holes, riders say they enjoy Sheridan as just one part of their trek to the big biker party.

Sturgis officially takes place Aug. 8-12, but riders and tourists alike flock to Sturgis for the entire first two weeks of August. This couple from Seattle used Sturgis as a vacation where they took a route through Milwaukee to see their daughter, then went through Sturgis. They were on their way home Friday.

Nancy Herdt with the Wyoming Department of Travel and Tourism in Sheridan says that their numbers definitely pick up this time of year and they do get a lot of bikers that stay overnight in Sheridan.

The road condition advisories Herdt talked about is a chip sealing projects on US 85 near Upton, WYO 116, US 16 West of Newcastle and west of Upton. Advisories are part of what Herdt gives bikers each year, and this year she advises bikers to reduce speeds in these areas. Ron, Don, and Richard from British Columbia, Canada were also headed home from the rally, and they say they really liked rolling through Sheridan – they stopped at Little Goose Liquors. Ron talks about the rally.

Richard says his first rally was great, and a big part of it is the 5-day drive to and from Sturgis.

Among this year's musical performers at the rally are George Thorogood, Styx, Toby Keith, Def Leppard, and Alice Cooper.

The Sheridan Police Department, along with other state law enforcement agencies, received a grant to allow its officers to work 100 hours of overtime in order to increase patrols and motorcycle safety in Wyoming from August 1-21. SPD reminds motorists to be aware of motorcycles on the road at all times.

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